McBryde Garden, Kauai
McBryde Garden is only accessible by electric van from the entry point they share with Allerton Gardens, but once there I was free to tour as I pleased and I really enjoyed this (compared to a guided tour). Maps posted around the garden indicate the various areas and their specialities. I was enthusiastic when we arrived because I saw an African Tulip tree (one of my favourite trees) but rather than the usual bright red, this had yellow-orange flowers. There is a whole grove of African Tulip trees which I was unable to photograph because of rain, but this was a highlight of the gardens.
I particularly enjoyed the Spice Garden with ginger growing in natural settings. The stream wandering through the gardens provided a unifying feature and at times there was a Japanese look to them. This was the best garden in terms of variety and display of plants and trees and because I had 2 hours to explore without a guide, I really enjoyed it. These gardens contain excellent examples of ginger, bromeliads, heliconias, chenille plants, yellow hibiscus, African tulip trees and bougainvillea – all favourites with me..
After booking this holiday I wondered if perhaps I was overdoing it .. three botanic gardens might be much of a muchness. In the event, the gardens were sufficiently different (Allerton as a landscaped seaside hideaway with an architectural bias) ; Limahuli (lovely plants and an excellent design in a fabulous setting) and McBryde (extensive collection of plants and trees).
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The fine print
Date of travel : 7 October 2008
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